I had the opportunity to volunteer in support of the Ewa Beach Community Development Organization today. It was the FIRST annual Healthy and Hapai Event hosted at the Waipahu Bethel Chapel. The event is to teach low to middle income families how to be healthy and take care of baby. It is only open to a limited number of families and they are invited by PACT and WIC.

When I first got there, I had no idea what to expect. I knew I was there to support Christiane and her workshops. How to make your own baby food, making over your diaper bag to more natural solutions, and cloth diapering 101. There were so many groups and organizations there pulling together for this event and the results were amazing. Aside from them getting free promotional giveaways and door prizes, they got to take home what they made and they each got a home made baby blanket to take home too.

At first, when the families poured in, I found myself looking at them differently. Almost pitying them. Because they are YOUNG (some looked as young as Shelby), pregnant, and probably afraid of what to expect once baby comes. After I saw them all sitting in one room, listening attentively to what we had to share, I saw MYSELF in some of them.

I was once them. I was once that 18 your old girl, pregnant, and just starting my life. On WIC, on medquest, and had no idea what or where we were going to pay for this new life we were about to engage in. That's when I was overwhelmed by a sense of happiness and J O Y. Joy because here I am GIVING back to the community. Giving back to the people who need help and need guidance. Giving back to families who are probably shunned by their loved ones because of the predicament they're in. Helping those who are probably looked down upon BECAUSE they're on welfare and medquest.

I was once in their shoes and if it were not for the support and guidance of the people around me, I would not be where I am today. Sometimes, a little helping hand, an encouraging word, and even a small nudge in the right direction is all people need. The world we live in today is full of "victims". It's full of people not willing to put in a little elbow grease to get things done. It's full of blame and it's never my fault. We need to step to the plate and change it up. Do something. Stop expecting someone else to take care of it. Because if everyone does that, everything will be neglected and we waste our time pointing fingers on who's at fault.

A little bit of giving can open doors you never knew existed. I'm ready to take in the abundance of wealth coming my way. Not monetary wealth, but wealth in love and support. Wealth in knowledge and sharing.

Here are some pictures of today's event. Thank you Christiane for allowing us to be a part of it.